Cape Forchu Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | Cape Forchu Nova Scotia Canada |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 43°48′25″N 66°9′30″W / 43.80694°N 66.15833°W |
| Year first constructed | 1839 (Original Lighthouse) 1961 (Current Lighthouse) |
| Year first lit | 1840 (Original Lighthouse) 1962 (Current Lighthouse) |
| Construction | reinforced concrete tower |
| Tower shape | hexagonal tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | tower with white and red vertical stripes, red balcony and lantern |
| Height | 27.7 metres (91 ft) (first) 30 metres (98 ft) (current) |
| Focal height | 38.4 metres (126 ft) (first) 35 metres (115 ft) (current) |
| Intensity | 1,000,000 candela |
| Range | 30 nautical miles (56 km; 35 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 14s. |
The Cape Forchu Lighthouse is a famous landmark located in Cape Forchu, Nova Scotia. It stands proudly about 11 km away from the town of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. This lighthouse helps ships navigate safely along the coast.
Contents
A Look Back: The Lighthouse's Story
The first lighthouse at Cape Forchu was built in 1839 and started guiding ships in 1840. This original building was used for over 120 years!
The "Apple Core" Lighthouse
In 1961, the old lighthouse was taken down. A new, modern lighthouse was built in its place in 1962. This new lighthouse has a unique shape that looks a bit like an "apple core." It's made of strong reinforced concrete.
The original light, called a Fresnel lens, was very special. It was a large, powerful lens that helped the light shine far out to sea. Since 2000, you can see this original lens at the Yarmouth County Museum.
A Park with Ocean Views
The lighthouse is surrounded by a beautiful area of rocky land, about 19 acres in size. This area is known as Leif Erikson Park. It has a lovely walking trail where you can enjoy amazing views of the ocean.
Becoming a Heritage Site
On June 1, 2000, something important happened. The Cape Forchu Lighthouse became the first working lighthouse in Canada to be given to a local town. It was transferred from the government to the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth for just one dollar! This meant the local community would help take care of it.
Because of its history and importance, the lighthouse became a registered Heritage property. First, it was recognized by the Municipality in 2001, and then by the Province of Nova Scotia in 2003.
Visiting Cape Forchu Today
The 19 acres of land around the lighthouse are open to everyone all year long. It's a great place to explore and enjoy the coastal scenery.
The Keeper's Kitchen
The old house where the lighthouse keeper used to live is also a Heritage property. It's open to visitors from May to September. Inside, you'll find "The Keeper's Kitchen" restaurant, where you can grab a bite to eat. There's also a gift shop where you can find souvenirs.
A Movie Star Lighthouse
In 2018, the park around the lighthouse became a movie set! A feature film called The Lighthouse was filmed there. It starred famous actors Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson.
On a Postage Stamp
Even the old lighthouse, which was taken down in 1961, is still remembered. In 2022, it was featured on a Canadian postage stamp! This stamp was part of a series called "Vintage Travel Posters." The stamp showed the old lighthouse as it appeared on a poster from 1950, promoting travel to "Canada’s Picturesque East Coast."
See also
- List of lighthouses in Canada
